PJ Haiston-SG-21 Years Old-6'5 1/4-6'9 Wingspan-8'5 Standing Reach-37 inch Max Vert
(Previously played at UNC, Now with the NBDL Texas Legends)
Strengths-Hairston is a very effective scorer, both inside and out … Has a sweet jump shot with deep range – good elevation and a quick release … Though mostly a spot-up shooter, he’s dangerous off the dribble and off screens in catch-and-shoot situations … Uses step-back and fade-away moves very effectively …
Makes overly aggressive on-the-ball defenders pay with a quick first step to the basket … With a sturdy build and a 37-inch vertical, he has no trouble getting to the rim and finishing through contact … Draws a lot of fouls, and is an excellent free-throw shooter … Terrific finisher in transition … Doesn’t have a flashy handle, but is relatively good at protecting the ball the solidly built youngster has the potential to expand his game as a post-up guard … When motivated, has active hands and comes up with a fair amount of steals … Does not lack for confidence ...
Weakness-Due to a combination of a lack of effort, a lack of awareness, and below-average speed and quickness, Hairston is a poor defender … In one-on-one situations, he is often abused by quicker players on both cuts and drives to the basket … As team defender, he is often in the wrong place at the wrong time – he doesn’t always rotate, and when he does, he has poor recovery speed. Also, at times, he inexplicably steps away from the action, as if he is playing with five fouls or playing for the Washington Generals … Appears undisciplined, lackadaisical – doesn’t make a lot of hustle plays, stands around a lot on offense.
Overall-Assuming that he has learned from his mistakes, Hairston should at least enjoy an NBA career as a scorer/3-point specialist off the bench ... If he improves his overall effort and play on the defensive end, his prospects would be much brighter, though it is very doubtful that he would ever become an All-Star-level player due to his average athletic ability … A borderline first-round selection who will likely fall into the second due to his past indiscretions …
NBA Draft. Net-31st
NBA Draft Xpress-22nd
CBS Sports-22nd, 23rd, 24th